Optimal Temp Control Setup

[Mike_302]

I've just spend the better part of an afternoon reading into the various tech to control fermentation temp, but I am not yet dead-set on one setup -- looking for some influencers.

Ideally, I can control AND monitor the temp over time (i.e. temperature logging) for a reasonable price. Currently, the best setup I've found includes the ITC-308 with the WiFi capability, plus a heating pad or belt. This comes in at £46 for the ITC controller, and £19 for the belt. Thoughts?

Then I need to modify the fermentor bucket lid to install the temp probe; but then I found a DIY guide to quick and cheap install a stainless steel theromwell, as a much more sterile solution.

Thoughts?

As a small aside -- this is only my second brew, albeit with support from more intermediate / pro home brewers... I'm just a very analytical type of person, and keen to spend SMART.

 

[xozzx]

Easy to install a SS thermowell, I added one to my sparge water heater. Just need to make sure you have the right drill bit, I bought one for a couple of quid off ebay.

I use the SS Brewtech buckets which come with thermowells already installed.

Are you using a fridge or only planning to control heating (not cooling)? If using a fridge a popular heater is a small tube heater for aquariums etc - I use this and works perfect.

For logging the temperature I read on here recently that the WiFi inkbird only logs the set temp and not the measured temp, not sure if this is correct tho. Why are you wanting to log the temp? I cant see any benefit to this.

 

[Mike_302]

I'll more than likely go for a plastic bucket instead -- SS is a bit on the expensive side as a starter! :P So I'll have to get the thermowell and install myself. I'm slightly torn though -- does the thermowell make that much of a difference from attaching to the outside of the bucket with some covering insulation? I know that's a highly subjective question. I think I'm just trying to control the temp within 1 degree of the suggested fermentation temperature for the given yeast though, so I have to wonder how much difference the thermowell makes, compared with something even simpler.

Only planning to heat. No fridge.

That's very interesting to know about the Wifi Inkbird though -- making me rethink that one heavily... It's just the nerd in me that wants to collect that data and look back on it. I suppose that's what the Tilt is for...

 

[xozzx]

does the thermowell make that much of a difference from attaching to the outside of the bucket with some covering insulation?

Im not sure about this, you could fill the plastic bucket with water and place one thermometer in the water and tape a second one to the side, or if only 1 thermometer then do one at a time. Give it a few minutes to stabalise and compare the readings. It might not be an exact comparison but would give a reasonable test.

 

[Gerryjo]

If you have no way if cooling then using a heater is certainly going to cause issues as you effectively have no control.
You are also way over thinking at this time.
If you have a thermometer attach the probe to the side of the fermenter,insulate with a sponge and tape it up.
Inserting a thermowell to the fermenter unless it's SS is overkill as you could simply insert a stuffing gland on the lid and insert the probe tip into the wort and sealing reducing chance of leaks and infection as this can be removed and cleaned and costs about 50p.
Fill your fermenter and monitor the temp but bear in mind that when you add yeast to wort your temp will increase by 1 or 2 degrees as they will be busy.
Your volume will also effect conditions so a lot of variables in play.

 

[cheeseyfeet]

If you’re into electronic diy then have a search for BrewPi. I’ve got one that’s been flawlessly controlling a fridge and a heater for years .

Massive thread on the American site to read on it!

 

[Mike_302]

I won't need a fridge for my purposes. Even in summer (UK) it's not that hot, and our flat is built such that the temperature is well regulated -- typically on the cool side. The heater purchase is mainly to enable me to do some brews that require to maintain 24-27 degrees for fermentation.

BrewPi is tempting for the geek in me! But I think for the short term, given the info gathered from this thread, I'll just get the normal ITC-308 and a heating belt.

 

[simon12]

Just remember fermentation produces heat so often cooling is the only thing you need but its normally only a problem with large volumes